Stephen Crichton insists he has not yet considered whether Cameron Ciraldo's Canterbury appointment will influence his own NRL contract talks for 2024.
Penrith assistant Ciraldo informed Panthers players on Sunday of his new five-year deal to coach the Bulldogs from 2023, with the news no shock to a playing group that has long known his ability.
Ciraldo coached 12 of the Panthers' current squad in under-20s, taking them to two grand finals and a premiership.
He has since become known as the mastermind behind one of the toughest defensive lines to crack in the NRL, with just nine losses in the past three seasons.
That history has prompted thoughts players may follow him to the Bulldogs, in the same way Matt Burton, Brent Naden and Viliame Kikau agreed to defect to Belmore after Trent Barrett's appointment.
Crichton is off contract at the end of next year and has previously spoken about a desire to play fullback one day.
However he said he had not yet considered what Ciraldo's move meant for his future.
"I haven't really thought of it," Crichton told AAP ahead of Friday's grand final rematch with South Sydney.
"I'm just leaving that stuff up to my manager. I'm just focusing on the year and focusing on games leading into the finals.
"I'm here to play footy. That's his job to get all of that stuff done."
Crichton can see why there would be a fear from Panthers fans that Ciraldo will be a lure to some Penrith players.
The assistant remains one of the most popular people at Penrith, known for his direct approach with players and getting the best out of the group.
"I think that's just the way Ciro is, building relationships," Crichton said.
"He's got a lot of relationships with the boys here and he's someone we can talk very honestly with.
"He will be the first to come and tell you what you need to work on and things like that. So I think that's where the respect starts."
Canterbury players are hopeful Ciraldo's appointment can lure more big-name talent.
Ex-Panthers at Belmore have this week spoken with teammates about Ciraldo's ability to adapt and cater to individuals in his team, as well as training habits from his under-20s days.
"I hope (it does bring players across)," Bulldogs captain Josh Jackson said.
"From speaking to a couple of boys just briefly about it, it seems like he's got a good rapport with the players.
"And obviously, he knows his footy and the technical side of things as well."
Jackson backed the club's call to offer a five-year deal to Ciraldo, saying it gave him the time to focus on the club's pathways.
"The long-term deal is great," Jackson said.
"It obviously takes coaches a fair while to come in and establish their systems and structures and to get the players and the personnel that they want."
Australian Associated Press
